Integrated Regional Water Management Plan

Clarks Creek Restoration Project Fact Sheet

Title

Clarks Creek Restoration Project Fact Sheet

Abstract

There were two phases to restoration on this stretch of Clarks Creek:

In 1992/94 a 2,000 foot stretch of channel on Clarks Creek, which flows into Indian Creek by way of Last Chance Creek, was stabilized using vegetation and rock placed to control erosion and improve fisheries and riparian habitat. International exchange and inner city minority students, California Department of Correction inmate crews, Janesville High School students, and the Milford Grazing Association volunteered labor for the project. Sponsored by the USFS as part of the Clarks 2000 plan and funded by the Student Conservation Association, PG&E, Department of Water Resources, and the California Department of Fish & Game for $24,000.

In 2001, a 4,300-foot gully on Clarks Creek (Plumas National Forest land) was eliminated using the 'pond and plug' technique, successfully restoring 50 acres of floodplain. The Forest Service grazing permittee, Doug Robbins, completed a new pasture fence. Not all of the project area was fenced in order to evaluate recovery of the site with and without grazing. Monitoring on Clarks Creek included thorough pre and post-project wildlife monitoring by Dave Bogener from DWR. Other continual monitoring includes groundwater wells, and aerial and ground photography. The project was funded by Prop. 204, and cost $90,000. Major partners were Plumas National Forest, Plumas County, Dept. Water Resources, permittee, Doug Robbins, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Purpose

To reconnect the channel to its naturally evolved meadow floodplain in order to stabilize the channel, reduce erosion, and restore habitat.